That Devilish Tongue

Here is an amazing thing to think about. How often have we participated in a wonderful church service, where we worshipped God with our entire spirit, body and soul, only to leave church and find ourselves cursing out some driver who cut us off or who is driving too slow? Perhaps we got into an argument with our spouse and made some unfortunate remark that we later regretted saying? Sadly, we all have been there to one degree or another.

The brother of our Lord puts it so perfectly when he wrote in James 3:7-9, “For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.”

Jesus also warns us in Matthew 12:37 when He said, “For by your words, you will be acquitted, and by your words, you will be condemned.” Is it any wonder why James tells us, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19)

We all have said things that we wish we could take back. Sadly, once it is spoken, it is out there. We need to remember that someone is always listening to what we say, even when we are alone.

When we pray today, ask the Holy Spirit to help us bridle our tongue. Pray that the Spirit of God helps us to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Pray that when we do speak, we will use words that are thoughtful, compassionate and understanding. That our words would edify, exhort and encourage someone and not tear them down or discourage them.

Let us think of the wisdom of proverbs that reminds us that “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” (Proverbs 21:23) So let us exercise a little wisdom today and possibly keep ourselves out of trouble. Let us think before we speak and let our words be a blessing and not a curse. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us and through us, whether we are speaking to someone directly, or to that special someone in the car ahead of us.